The victims' families said Lettinga told the two to clean molasses tanks, which held decaying liquid feed. When the two complained, he allegedly told them to take turns.

The families think one of them was overcome before the second entered to help. They were found face down in liquid.

Jose Perez said earlier: "I'm just trying to get justice for the loss of my child. It is hard to believe it. He was just a child, you know?"

His son had just graduated from Thornapple-Kellogg High School with plans to join the U.S. Army.

Akeel said it was an emotional trial after five years of litigation.

"You could sense the bubble burst of emotion. You could see tears all over, a sense of justice, vindication, a sense of feeling the Perez family can finally move forward with their lives. (Jose Perez) wanted the jury to do the right thing and hopefully make sure it doesn't happen to somebody else."